The role of particle length in feed rations

Livestock producers who are serious about meeting specific production goals, know that particle length in the feed ration is directly linked to animal health.

- Carin Venter

Stockfarm asked three experts in the field of animal feed to share their knowledge regarding the role that particle length plays in feed rations.

The long and the short of it

For Dr Ockert Einkamerer of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State, ruminants’ feed requirements are first on the list.

“In terms of ruminant nutrition, fibre has certain nutritional and physiological properties, and it is important that its quality denotes its digestibility as well as its capacity to maintain rumen health. The right amount and correct length therefore support rumen health and milk fat, by stimulating adequate rumination.”

He says metabolic disorders can occur when rumen health is not maintained. “This means that while the diet may contain enough fibre, its physical form in the feed may not be adequate to stimulate rumination. Rumination is then reduced and the rumen pH can decrease. Ruminants therefore need enough coarse or long roughage to promote effective rumination. The total diet must also be balanced.”

The influence that particle length and the quality of roughage have on microbial fermentation and rumen health, also varies between fibre sources. Dr Einkamerer compares the influence of high-quality roughage (prime grade lucerne) on rumen function to that of lower-quality roughage (wheat straw/crop residues) with the same particle length.